Teaching for Eternity

Valentine's Heart Pockets

2012-02-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day Resources

2012-02-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

For lots of great ideas to do with your kids or students on Valentine's Day, check out Ministry to Children's website by clicking here.

The Importance of Take-Home Papers

2012-01-30T14:51:00.001-05:00

I used to think take-home papers were a waste of money. After all, most of them end up in the trash without ever getting a glance. Then one day someone made the comment that this may be the only opportunity you have to get the Word of God into the homes of some of these children. A parent may not necessarily get saved, but seeds are being planted. God promises that His Word will not return void.

Make sure you give your students something to take home with God's Word on it. It may be as simple as an index card with a memory verse. Take every opportunity you have to get the Bible into the homes of your students.

Building a Library Inexpensively

2011-12-10T18:46:00.000-05:00

Reading is important but how do you build a library inexpensively? The more a child is surrounded by books, the more he or she will be encouraged to read. I know that we are in the age of electronics - books in digital formats may be good for older children and adults but you aren't going to give a child a love for reading this way. Personally, I prefer to hold a real book in my hands.

There are many ways to pick up book inexpensively:
- garage sales
- thrift shops
- used book sites on the internet: Alibris, Abe, Half.com, Barnes & Noble, Kregel

Be sure your library includes a variety of books, not just fiction. Include some of the following:

Classics: Dickens, Hawthorne, Defoe, Spyri, etc.
Biographies: Presidents, Missionaries, historical figures, composers, artists
Spiritual, Character building: find books that will help grow your child's character and spiritual life. These can be fiction or non-fiction. Check out Vision Forum and Lamplighter Ministries for some great sources
Reference books: dictionary, commentaries, concordance, Bible dictionary, Thesaurus

“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.” - Barrow

Thoughtful Tuesday

2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

"Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own."

-- Nikos Kazantzakis

Thoughtful Tuesday

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

"If we are going to serve the Lord, we must stop focusing on other people."

~ Evangelist Jim Pruitt

Memory Verse Monday

2011-11-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Write verse on chalkboard or poster board. Choose two volunteers. Have first volunteer face the class so that he cannot see the board. Have second volunteer choose one word. When quoting the verse, everyone claps in place of the chosen word. First volunteer must guess the word without looking at the verse.

Thanksgiving Place Cards & Napkin Rings

2011-11-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thoughtful Tuesday

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

"God will not call you to do something that He will not enable you to do."

Memory Verse Monday

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

To review a familiar verse, divide board into several sections. Have children race to see who can be the first to write the verse correctly. For a larger group, make teams and have a relay race. Each person writes one word and then passes the chalk until entire verse is written.

Fully Rely On God - Frog Bulletin Board

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

Bulletin Board by Jessica - Visit her blog "The Road to Radcliffe Pond"

Is Reading to a Child Important?

2011-11-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

The time that parents spend reading to a child willgreatly affect a child’s desire to read. An important factor in whether a childlearns to read or not – and how well he will ever read – is his desire. Parentsbuild in children a desire for reading by reading to them at a young age. Achild will learn to associate reading with pleasure and love.

“The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.”

^{- Abraham Lincoln}

Fall Crafts Collage

2011-11-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thoughtful Tuesday

2011-11-15T01:30:00.000-05:00

You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.

Memory Verse Monday

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for new ways to creatively teach memory verses? I am hoping to share with you a new idea each week (or almost every week).

This month I decided to focus on chalkboard methods. Many of you have probably already used this first method, but just in case, I though I would share.

Write verse on chalkboard or whiteboard and allow kids to erase one word or phrase at a time.

Fall Placemats

2011-11-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

I'm Back

2011-11-06T20:55:00.001-05:00

Dearest Readers of my sadly neglected blog,

I apologize for my long absence here on this blog. I have had a number of things going on in my life and just needed to take a break for awhile. I have some new ideas, so hopefully I will be able to carry them out on here. Any suggestions for topics would be appreciated.

I returned early this morning from the Loving and Leading Conference in Milford, OH. I highly recommend this conference. There were many different workshops to choose from to learn lots of new ideas to incorporated into your ministry. Dr. David Gibbs, JR was the speaker for the main sessions. He brought a number of very convicting messages. Now to just put into practice what I have learned.

~Julia

Books of the Bible Game

2011-07-12T12:01:00.005-04:00

Sewing with Kids

2011-06-14T11:12:00.000-04:00

Amy over at Amy's Creative Side is doing a series on sewing with kids. Check it out by clicking the button below:

This weeks project:

Teaching for Life Change

2011-06-08T16:40:00.000-04:00

Many teachers approach their class as teaching lessons rather than teaching students. The pitfall of this is that it focuses on covering content rather than meeting the needs of individuals. It is important for the teacher to get to know and understand his students. The teacher should know the common characteristics of the age group he is teaching. Moreover, the teacher needs to know each of his students on a personal level. If the teacher’s goal is life-change, then he must know where his students are coming from and what direction they should be moving in.

A creative Bible teacher will seek to teach in ways that promote life change. If he merely teaches the Bible as content, he is implying that to know God and to know about God are the same thing. Learning must be brought to where it has meaning to the student’s life and experience. The teacher must use a vocabulary that the students understand. When teaching unfamiliar terms or concepts, the teacher should carefully explain and illustrate to give meaningful understanding. The closer an idea or concept is linked to something with which the student is already familiar, the more meaningful it will be. A creative teacher will have his students take part in exploring the meaning of a passage. When a student personally thinks through how Biblical truths may be applied, he will be more likely to respond on a personal level.

Jungle Bulletin Board Ideas

2011-03-02T15:47:00.001-05:00

Ideas by Sophia from "Frugal Ideas from the Parsonage"

Influence vs. Control

2011-03-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

By Cary Schmidt

Sometimes we get mixed up in ministry. We forget that our responsibility is not control it is influence. God never gave us control of people, their lifestyles, or their choices. He created free will, and gives each individual responsibility for their choices. I fear, out of good intentions, some spiritual leaders cross the line and actually try to control behavior rather than influence the heart. There are a lot of reasons this well-intentioned approach to ministry is really bad...read more

How to Teach Math (Just for fun :)

2011-01-24T08:33:00.000-05:00

Tips for Evaluating Bible or Sunday School Curriculum

2011-01-03T20:53:00.001-05:00

It is essential that curriculum enhance the teaching of the Bible, not obscure it. Teachers must take care to ask if the curriculum is actually teaching the Word of God or simply seeking to meet the objectives of a curriculum writer.

To teach content without reference to the student's need for personal response is not teaching the Bible in a way consistent with its nature and purpose.

A good curriculum will teach what the passage teaches and will call for responses that are rooted in the text of Scripture...It's easy to set up our rules of conduct and then to find passages that seem to indicate some biblical support. But this isn't teaching the Bible. It's teaching a legalism that can become crushing. Such teaching obscures, for teacher and learner alike, the God who reveals Himself, and who demands not conformity to a code, but response to a Person, a life lived not in cold conformity, but in willing and flexible response to God the Spirit.

Questions to ask:

1. Does the material gain attention and draw the learner to the subject being addressed?

2. Does the material present solid biblical content and explore the central principle of the passage accurately?

3. Does the curriculum reflect an awareness of the gaps that block response to God?

4. Are the lesson aims clearly stated and life-response oriented?

5. Do the aims exhibit a structure that leads into the Word, explores the Word, and guides students to explore relevance and plan response?

Taken from Creative Bible Teaching by L. Richards & G. Bredfeldt

Thought Provoking Quotes

2010-12-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

“In order to teach the Bible creatively and with authority so as to change lives, we must begin with a high view of Scripture. Such a view mandates that the Bible teacher recognize the inspiration of Scripture and understand something of the literary nature of the inspired text”

(Creative Bible Teaching, p.35)

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-11-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

"Your mission as a teacher is to help students focus on the lesson and to present information in a way in which they will remember it. The presentation of the lesson affects its staying power...The more you include the five senses in your lesson preparation, the more associations your students' brains will make with the material."

~ Regular Baptist Press, Primary Teacher's Guide

7 Questions to Ask Before Teaching Your Bible Lesson

2010-11-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

1. Am I worried about what people think of my message or what God thinks? (Teach with fear)
Oftentimes in children’s ministry we dumb down our messages in an effort to make it age appropriate. This is no different than trying to tickle the ears of men rather than honoring God. To be sure, we should find age appropriate ways to teach God’s word, but we should never teach less than the full counsel of God and justify it as being “age appropriate.” The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and should guide our teaching efforts as well.

2. Do I genuinely love these people? (Teach with love)
Do you love the kids you are teaching, or are you just going through the motions? Kids will engage and respond when they sense that you love them. You may be the only one capable of showing the love of God to a particular child. Make sure that you are doing just that.

3. Am I accurately presenting this passage? (Teach with accuracy)
You should prepare and invest the same amount of time in preparation as you would if you were presenting your lesson to adults – maybe more. Just because you may not be teaching five year olds the original greek and different interpretations of a passage doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t research them and understand them. Strive to make yourself an expert in everything you are teaching this coming weekend. Above all else, do whatever you must to make sure that you are accurately and faithfully presenting the Word of God to the kids you lead.

4. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit’s power or my own cleverness? (Teach with power)
You may be smart. You may be talented. You may be engaging. No matter how good you are though, you are no match for God. He wants to help. He longs to work through you to impact the lives of kids in your ministry. Ask him to. Before you put pen to paper to plan your lesson, pray for guidance. Before you take the stage or put on a microphone or pull the flannel graph out of the closet, pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in teaching his kids.

5. Have I applied this message to my own life? (Teach with integrity)
Ouch! Now this one hurts. Are you being a hypocrite. Are you teaching kids about patience and anger ten minutes after you yelled at your kids on the ride to church? Are you teaching them about giving when you grasp your wallet so tight that you imagine even the fingers of God couldn’t pry it open? Are you teaching about humility one second and trying the figure out why the world is properly revolving around you the next? God uses our ministry to point to areas in our own lives that need attention. Be open and honest with the kids you are teaching. Let them learn from your failures and let them see you trying to be an example.

6. Will this message draw attention to me or to God? (Teach with humility)
Are you a one man show every weekend in your children’s ministry? Do your lessons really point kids towards God, or is all about how funny and engaging and popular can be with the pre-teen set at your church that is important? Do your stories bring attention to you or to God? Is God at the center of your children’s ministry? There is nothing wrong with being funny and entertaining and engaging if those things point kids in the direction of God. There is something wrong if it just glorifies you and builds your ego. Search your heart and make sure that you have not made the attention received from kids in your ministry your own personal idol. Remember, it’s not about you!

7. Do the people really need this message? (Teach with urgency)
Are you teaching what you’re teaching because you need to fill an hour or an hour-and-a-half, or do you have a vision of what kids need? Do they need to hear what you are talking about? When you look out at the room on Sunday morning, are you weighed down by the fact that some of these kids don’t know Jesus and face an eternity separated from God if something were to happen on the car ride home that afternoon. Make sure you teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with urgency. Make sure that you are feeding them the thing that they need most – a Lord and Savior who died for their sins and rose again to conquer sin and death. That is the message they need.

By Wayne Stocks in Children's Ministry Encouragement & Vision

http://ministry-to-children.com/

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-11-25T11:19:00.017-05:00

"For all the thousands who are eager to share their knowledge and skills with others, there are just a handful who are willing to share their LIVES, who are willing to be transparent, vulnerable, and open about their successes and their failures, their joys and their pain, their faith and their doubt."

- Ron Lee Davis

Gourd Games

2010-11-19T14:21:00.002-05:00

For rules to this game, visit "Family Fun"

Feature Friday - Thanksgiving Memory Game

2010-11-19T03:39:00.000-05:00

Visit The Homespun Heart for this cute memory game and other Thanksgiving ideas!

Thanksgiving Coloring Page

2010-11-16T14:24:00.002-05:00

Click here for pdf

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-11-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

"A teacher should make it their goal to understand each student. You teach students first, subjects second. If they don't understand, nothing will happen. What do you know about your student? Have you visited his home? If not, you probably still don't know why he acts the way he acts."

- Abb Thomas, Director of Training Master Ministries
Taken from 7 Great Ideas for Teachers

Thankful Tree

2010-11-12T14:18:00.000-05:00

Visit Disney's Family Fun for the instructions for this project

Feature Friday - Edible Blood!

2010-11-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

Teach your students about the components of blood by making "edible blood." Visit Teaching Mommy for the recipe. Tie in a spiritual application by discussing how Jesus shed His blood for our sins.

From my Bookshelf...

2010-11-11T21:14:00.001-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the "Loving and Leading Conference" in Milford, OH. This is a great conference that I highly recommend. It will greatly impact your ministry if you take what you learn and apply it. The conference included 5 main sessions, over 100 workshops and 20 different nationally known speakers.

While I was there I picked up this book, Teaching Children God's Wonderful Word. This book includes 200 teaching ideas. Each idea is one page, so it is easy and fast to read to read if you are looking for new ideas without reading a lengthy book. Abb Thomas is the founder of Master Clubs and has been working with children longer than most of us have been alive. "The best teacher are those who never stop learning." Someone once said the day you stop learning is the day you stop teaching. Take some time to learn some new ideas that will give a fresh touch to your ministry.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-10-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

"What America needs is not more advancement along material lines, not more development in social reform, but more knowledge of the Bible, the change of heart and life which this knowledge should bring, and the application of Bible truths to daily living."

C. B. Eavey

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-09-28T06:24:00.002-04:00

"Information is giving out; communication is getting through."

~S. Harris

Fall Bulletin Board Idea

2010-09-25T18:38:00.000-04:00

Here is a great idea stolen from Rachel. (Thanks by the way!) You can check her post out by clicking here.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-06-29T11:30:00.001-04:00

I hear, and I forget;

I see and I remember;

I do, and I understand.

—Chinese Proverb

Feature Friday - Jr. Church Game

2010-06-25T23:14:00.000-04:00

Find out what you can do with this cute bucket at "My Bright Corner"

Feature Friday - Tips for Classroom Management

2010-04-30T10:06:00.001-04:00

I recently came across another teaching blog. Children's Ministry Blog has a wonderful post about discipline in the classroom entitled "Tips for Classroom Management." Head on over to their blog to check it out.

And the winners are...

2010-04-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to:

Jessica @ Shepherd's Staff Acres

My Bright Corner

Sarah (Covey Family)

Please send me a quick email so that I can send your email to Mrs. McPherson. TeachingForEternity (at) hotmail (dot) com.

If you did not win, but are interested in purchasing a book, click on the picture on my side bar and that will take you to their site where you can receive more information.

Feature Friday - 101 Ways to Praise a Child

2010-04-23T09:38:00.002-04:00

Ever feeling like you are lacking creativity when it comes to praising a child? If you are always finding yourself saying the same expression all the time, check this article out: 101 Ways to Praise a Child @ Julie's Journal

Praise is extremely important to a child. Even those certain ones that just rub you the wrong way - find something for which to praise them! It may just turn them around if you start giving them positive attention rather than negative attention by constantly correcting them.

Feature Friday

2010-04-16T07:14:00.000-04:00

Today's feature you must absolutely check out! I just love this idea!!!

At My Bright Corner Rebecca shares this great idea for teaching scripture memory on the bus. I just love how she uses the time traveling on the bus in such a productive way. By reading her posts, you can tell how she pours her heart into her bus ministry and makes every moment count.

Even if you don't work in a bus ministry you could still use her ideas in a class room setting, so take a quick minute to visit her blog.

Giveaway Announcement!

2010-04-13T22:42:00.003-04:00

Mrs. McPherson has donated three copies of Four Weeks of Children's Church Vol. 1 & 2 for me to give away on my blog. I have started reading the first volume and it is packed full of great ideas for children's ministries. Each volume contains complete lesson plans for four weeks of Children's Church. If you are involved in any children's ministry this is an excellent resource!

For more information click the above link or visit their website. The website also contains a number of resources as well.

To enter please carefully follow the guidelines below. You must complete the first requirement before any other entries will count. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Special note: you only have to complete #1 to be qualified to win. With three prizes your chances are pretty good!

1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me what ministry you are involved in your local church.

2. Post about this on your blog and leave me a comment with the URL.

3. Write a post on your blog for Feature Friday. If you have been featured already that will count, but please leave me a comment letting me know. This could be a new post or an old post, just leave me a comment with the URL. All posts will be subject to review and must pertain to the purpose of this blog.

4. Subscribe to the FREE newsletter from Children's Church Ministry's Website.

5. Follow Teaching for Eternity

6. Follow Committing My Way...

(If you are already a follower, please leave a comment letting me know and that will still count)

Giveaway will end April 22

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-04-13T22:18:00.000-04:00

With a handful of dedicated people who will give me their lives, I will control the world.

~ Lenin

What are our goals?

2010-04-10T20:04:00.002-04:00

"Educational goals are outcomes we hope to achieve through the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of students that will make them more capable of knowing, loving, and serving God."

~ Dr. Lois LeBar

Feature Friday - Math Games

2010-04-09T09:40:00.000-04:00

You have absolutely got to check out these adorable homemade math games by Rebecca @ The Renaissance blog !!!

Pictures used by permission

If you have an article you would like to be featured, click on the link, Feature Friday, at the top of the page for more information.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-04-06T08:14:00.001-04:00

Remember your enthusiasm is contagious!

Old and impractical knowledge results in dull and uninteresting teaching.

Routine teaching results in routine learning.

Feature Friday - Easter Craft

2010-04-02T06:16:00.000-04:00

Melanie shares a cute Easter craft idea at her blog the "Crafty Cupboard". Head on over to check out her tutorial.

Spring Bulletin Board Idea

2010-04-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

Idea by R. Claytor and Mrs. B

Thanks for the photo Rachel!

Easter Object Lesson

2010-03-30T17:57:00.002-04:00

Here is an idea from The Children's Church Treasure Chest (used by permission). Go to their website to sign up for their free monthly newsletter from which this article was taken. Their website is packed full of great ideas as well.

Easter is upon us, and hopefully you have some great things planned to celebrate Jesus' resurrection in children's church!

Our church has held a candy hunt for the children on Easter Sunday for as long as I can remember and beyond. However, this year we decided to do something different after we heard a great object lesson idea involving... a pinata!

Every Sunday in children's church we have some type of fun opener game to kick off our service. Next Sunday (Easter), we are going to let the kids all have a whack at a pinata that is stuffed FULL of candy. Our church members, true to tradition, have already been donating candy; so we have lots and lots.

If the kids don't manage to break the pinata after they all have a turn, my husband will do the honors and release the contents. We'll allow them to gather the candy into gallon-size ziploc bags, on which we'll write their names with a Sharpie marker. They will have to place their candy bags under their chairs along with their other belongings when we have our inspection following the pinata activity.

After we sing a few songs and get the other preliminary items on the schedule out of the way, we will use the pinata as an object lesson to illustrate what was done for and by Jesus on Calvary's cross:

Jesus' body was bruised and broken at Calvary for our benefit. Each one of us had a part in his death, just like each of us took a whack at that pinata at the beginning of children's church.

The candy that poured out of the pinata reminds us of Jesus' blood that He shed so freely for each one of us. His blood cleanses us from sin and makes us fit for Heaven.

When the pinata broke, some of you rushed forward to gather the goodies that came out. Others stayed back a bit because you were shy, or because you didn't want to get in among the others, or maybe even because you thought the whole thing was silly and you didn't want to participate. Likewise, some people receive Jesus' gift of eternal life without hesitation. Others choose not to at all, and some just have not yet made up their minds whether they want to accept Him or not.

Some of you that rushed forward and grabbed up lots and lots of candy were nice enough to share with others who didn't come forward and receive some for themselves. Jesus wants you to likewise share the Gospel with others! He died and arose for everyone, and it is not His desire that anyone should perish. It is our job to share the Good News of Christ. What a great illustration of Jesus' gift to us: a simple pinata! I hope that you will do something special for Easter Sunday as well.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-03-30T03:39:00.001-04:00

"Burnout is only possible if you have a fire."

L. Neagle

Jeremiah 20:9

"Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay."

Feature Friday - Missions & Geography Ideas

2010-03-26T01:23:00.002-04:00

This week's feature is @ "I'm a Homeschool Mom":

Jen shares about the geography curriculum she is using as well as giving some great ideas for learning about different countries. Her ideas could be incorporated into geography class or into Sunday School/Children's Church when teaching about missions.

If you have an article you would like to be featured, click on the link, Feature Friday, at the top of the page for more information.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-03-23T10:33:00.004-04:00

"If the teacher is equipped and prepared to teach the Word for life change, lives will be changed. If that teacher is only telling what the Bible says, minds will be filled with facts while lives remain transfixed instead of transformed."

~ Bruce Wilkinson

Feature Friday - Teaching Children How to Pray

2010-03-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

I just read this article, "Teaching Children How to Pray," @ Ministry-to-Children.com.

This is an awesome article!!! I don't think I have ever heard or read anything like this on the subject of prayer. Henderson gives some great suggestions for incorporating all aspects of prayer including praise and thanksgiving. We often teach children to pray for their requests, but neglect these other important areas. I hope you take a couple of minutes to read this article, it is well worth your time!

If you have an article you would like to be featured, click on the link, Feature Friday, at the top of the page for more information.

Easter Craft - Resurrection Eggs

2010-03-18T21:21:00.000-04:00

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-03-16T01:21:00.001-04:00

"God's work done in God's way never lacks God's supply."

~ Hudson Taylor ~

Feature Friday

2010-03-14T22:51:00.001-04:00

Each Friday, I would like to start featuring one blog post from another blog. If you have written a post that goes along with the theme of this blog, please leave me a comment below with the link. I have asked a couple of readers about featuring their posts to get this started, but I hope some others will join in as well. I would like to use at least one picture from your post and I will have a link to your specific post. This is also an opportunity for you to get more traffic coming to your blog!

On the Subject of Prayer

2010-03-14T22:28:00.004-04:00

"It is not enough for the believer to begin to pray, nor to pray correctly; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray. We must patiently, believingly continue in prayer until we obtain an answer.

Further, we have not only to continue in prayer until the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing.

Those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus should labor with all their might in the work of God as if everything depended upon their own endeavors. Yet, having done so, they should not in the least trust in their labor and efforts, nor in the means that they use for the spread of the truth, but in God alone; and they should with all earnestness seek the blessing of God in persevering, patient, and believing prayer.

Here is the great secret of success, my Christian reader. Work with all your might, but never trust in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing in God, but work at the same time with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance.

Pray, then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on, all the days of your life. The result will surely be abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed."

~ George Muller ~

The Four Steps of Lesson Preparation:

2010-03-12T22:20:00.002-05:00

1. Information - To study your lesson you read the Scriptures, the comments the lesson writers have to make about the Scriptures, and perhaps you refer to other sources to complete your understanding of the lesson subject.

2. Incubation - A period of brooding or reflecting or meditating upon the information you have obtained. You think it over, having in mind your class, each pupil in your class, and the needs of each pupil. You consider the methods for conveying the information to your pupils in the most effective way. You talk to God about the lesson, and about your pupils, and ask for His help.

3. Illumination - You catch the point, you see clearly what is to be done and how it is to be done. You become enthusiastic over the possibilities and are eager to "get the lesson into shape" for presentation.

4. Verification or Revision - This is "getting the lesson into shape," making an outline.

Taken from Teach with Success by G. Levitt

Being an Encourager

2010-02-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

1 Samuel 23:16,
"And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God."

Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. I really like this verse because is helps me to encourage other people about staying strong in God.

~Kayla

How important it is to encourage and build up those around us, especially those who look up to you. Words are powerful things and may be used to edify or to tear down and cause destruction. Think before you speak and be sure that every word that you speak builds up and encourages.

Ephesians 4:29,
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

From my bookshelf...

2010-02-04T22:49:00.001-05:00

The Children of the King

by Max Lucado

Illustrated by Toni Goffe

One of my favorite modern-day Christian children's authors is Max Lucado. I love how he takes a biblical principle and turns it into a delightful story for both the young and the old.

The Children of the King is the story of a king who decides to adopt a family of orphan children. The king sends word that he is going to come for them. When they hear of his coming, the orphans all feel the need in someway to impress the king. All of the children possess a special talent with the exception of the youngest girl.

All the children busy themselves with preparing for the king's arrival, while the smallest girl with no gift just waits. Finally the king arrives appearing as a poor traveler. The children do not realize who is and are too busy preparing their gifts to take notice of this stranger. The littlest girl with no gift, however, is not too busy to help this stranger. She helps him water his donkey and spends time talking to him. The king tells her who is and takes her home to live with him. While the rest of the children are left behind busying themselves preparing their "gifts."

This story shows how Christians are often so busy serving the Lord that they neglect what is most important of all. More than anything the Lord wants our fellowship and our hearts rather than our empty acts of service. To the lost child, this story shows that their is nothing they can do to earn their way to heaven. One is only saved by having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-01-26T00:55:00.001-05:00

We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.

R. C. Sproul

Snowman Object Lesson

2010-01-24T14:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a story that I found on another blog. I think it would make a great object lesson:

The Meaning of the Snowman

Author Unknown

The white snow stands for the purity of the souls filled with God's grace. The circular snowballs represent God's everlasting love. The pieces of coal used to make the eyes, mouth and buttons symbolize God's Almighty power. The carrot nose reminds us that God gives us everything we need to live and grow. The scarf suggests the warmth of God's tender care. The top hat reminds us always to keep faith our top priority. The arms are outstretched to us as God's always are. The broom made of straw and wood signifies that Jesus was born and died to cleanse us of sin.

May your heart be ever warmed by the good news of God's great love for you!

You could have fun with this and let the kids make their own snowmen as a craft or you could make a big one as a group.

More Giveaway Entries

2010-01-23T20:32:00.001-05:00

I am hosting a giveaway over at my other blog: Committing My Way. If you would like to enter, please stop over and check it out by clicking here: Giveaway. You must first enter over there before any entries will be counted through this blog.

For additional entries, you may submit a post for this blog. They may be a simple teaching tip, craft idea, game, an encouraging story relating to teaching, object lessons, etc. If quoting scripture, please use the King James Bible. Photos that enhance your submissions will be greatly appreciated as well. Please send all submissions to teachingforeternity {at} hotmail {dot} com.

Giveaway will end Saturday evening (Jan. 30) at 9:00 PM EST.

I will publish all submissions that I think will encourage and bless others that are in line with what I believe the Bible teaches. I reserve the right to edited any submissions as I see necessary.

Thoughtful Tuesday

2010-01-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

“Education is not the filling of a bucket

but rather a lighting of the flame.”

Missions Board

2009-12-13T22:20:00.001-05:00

Every couple months in Children's Church I pick a country for the kids to learn about. We pray for the missionaries from that country that our church supports and write letters to them. I have been teaching the kids how to pray for missionaries.

It is awesome to listen to the kids pray for the missionaries. I wish that the missionaries could hear them pray. There is nothing like the simple faith of a child. I usually have a volunteer each week come up and pray for the missionary. When I forget to do this the kids remind me. If I have the kids pray at other times during class they always pray for the missionary even when I haven't mentioned it. It is neat to see them get excited and involved.

December/January Bulletin Board

2009-12-13T22:12:00.002-05:00

This one is rather simple, but it does the job. I am planing to add snowflakes...I have some I bought, just need to find them...

Paper Strip Ornament

2009-12-11T22:41:00.001-05:00

Check this and more crafts out by clicking:

Paper Strip Ornament : christmas : holidays: winter : Shop | Joann.com

Paper Loop Wreath

2009-12-11T22:31:00.002-05:00

For instructions go here:
Paper Loop Wreath : holidays: winter : Shop | Joann.com

Pin Cushion Project

2009-12-03T18:05:00.003-05:00

Check out this cute pin cushion project at "Blessed Femina"
It looks super easier and a great way to use fabric scraps.

2009-11-29T15:36:00.005-05:00

I have decided each month I am going to make one song visual. Kids learn the songs so much faster when we have a visual. Here is the one I made for this month:

This is for the second & third stanzas which obviously I have not written out yet. The first pumpkin is at church, so I was not able to take a picture of it. The song I am using is about giving thanks.

Christmas Card Ornament

2009-11-27T21:15:00.002-05:00

Here is a great craft project to recycle your old Christmas cards:

Christmas Card Ornament

Includes a video and instructions

Thanksgiving Craft

2009-11-25T20:16:00.008-05:00

This is a picture I found on the internet not from my class.

On Sunday for Children's Church I had the kids make paper chains. We used fall colors and on each link they wrote something they were thankful for. I wasn't sure how this craft was going to go over, but they all really enjoyed it and some had fun seeing how long they could make their chains.

2009-11-16T21:27:00.002-05:00

"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."

-Jim Elliot

From my bookshelf...

2009-11-16T21:15:00.004-05:00

I am almost finished reading Counsel for Christian Workers by Charles Spurgeon. This is the first book of Spurgeon's sermons that I have read. I was surprised by how down to earth and practical he is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is involved in Christian service. Here are a couple of quotes from the book:

"Spend and be spent in your Master's service."

"The danger of every Christian worker is that of falling into routine and self-sufficiency."

I borrowed this book from the college library but am definitely planning to purchase a copy of it for myself.

2009-11-10T21:56:00.002-05:00

"You cannot go forth yourself to your class and do your work vigorously if you have lost inward vigor. You cannot minister before the Lord with the unction of the Holy Spirit if that unction is not upon you. If you are not living near to God and in the power of God, then the power of God will not go forth through you to the children of your care." - C. H. Spurgeon

Scripture Memory: Part 2 - Review Games

2009-11-10T21:36:00.004-05:00

Here are several games from "Children's Church Ministry" website:

Bible Verse Burst -- Write your entire memory verse onto balloons and pin or tape them to the board. After teaching the entire verse using the IPEAR method, pop one of the balloons with a push pin and have the kids repeat the verse, including the missing word (you repeat it with them, but shush on the blank). Continue to pop one balloon at a time until they can recite the entire verse.

Guess Who -- We select a volunteer who must go stand by a teacher with his back to the group and the memory verse visual. Whoever is teaching the verse quietly points to a word in the verse and instructs the group to read the verse inserting a *clap* for the appointed word. The volunteer then has to guess what the missing word was.

Crazy Voices -- Put several different types of voices on index cards for the kids to draw: British accent, frog croak, mouse squeak, cheerleader yell, Southern accent, football player voice, underwater, etc.

Quote the verse if you... ate breakfast this morning, took a bath last night, have brown eyes, like broccoli, made your bed today, have a sister, are wearing red, etc.

I have tried some of these games or variations of them except for the first one. I think that would be a fun one to try. You can also find more ideas by visiting their website. Here are some ideas of my own, most of which are not original:

Chalkboard: This is always a tried and true method. Write the verse on the board and then let the kids erase a word or a phrase at a time. You can also have races by seeing who can write the verse out first on the board. For a larger group you can turn this into a relay game, each person writing one word at a time and passing the chalk to the next person on the team.

Pass the ball: Pass a ball around and have each person say one word. To make it more challenging, time them to see how fast they can do it. For variation have the students toss the ball to whoever they want and he/she has to say the next word.

Hot potato: Play hot potato and when the music stops whoever has the "potato" must quote the verse.

Word scramble: Write each word/phrase on a piece of paper and have them put it in the correct order.

Puzzle: Write verse out on a poster board and cut into shapes to create a puzzle.

2009-11-10T21:33:00.001-05:00

"Your aim as a teacher is to set each pupil on fire to translate what he has learned into an ardent Christian life." ~ Guy Levitt, from Teach with Success

WHAT IS IN THINE HAND?

2009-11-01T22:35:00.002-05:00

by Dr. Paul Chappell

Exodus 4:1-5, "And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me,
nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto
thee. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A
rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it
became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto
Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his
hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe
that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee."


God doesn't measure our usability by our talents but by our willingness to
be used.

Have you ever heard the name of Bertoldo di Giovanni? If you are a fan of
art, you might be surprised to not recognize him. Giovanni was the pupil of
Donatello, arguably the most gifted sculptor of his time. Giovanni possessed
unimaginable talent and skill, yet he is not remembered for any sculptings,
paintings, or art pieces. He is remembered as the teacher of Michaelangelo.
At age 14, Michaelangelo approached Giovanni and requested his help in
training his artistic abilities. Realizing Michaelangelo was gifted beyond
his age, Giovanni agreed.

Giovanni was different than many teachers of his day in that he didn't allow
talented students to simply coast through classes. He was known as a strict
instructor who pushed his students no matter their ability level. One day as
he entered class, he noticed Michaelangelo working on a sculpture that was
below his abilities. Giovanni marched over to Michaelangelo's station,
grabbed the piece of pottery, and smashed it into a thousand pieces. He then
made a statement that Michaelangelo never forgot: "Michaelangelo, talent is
cheap; dedication is costly!"

Our world seems to value talent. Kids are scouted at young ages for sporting
talent, people are elevated for their talent in different arenas, and those
with the most talent seem to climb the corporate ladder the fastest. Talent
has become something that parents hope to see in their children. But just as
Giovanni stated, talent is cheap but dedication is costly.

In Christianity, talent is sometimes too highly regarded. People are praised
for their fine singing voice, musical talent, ability to teach, or witnessing
finesse. Yet God doesn't desire to simply use talented people; He wants to
use every one of His children.

Our verses show us another one of Moses' apprehensions and excuses for not
being able to face Pharaoh. "They will not believe me, nor hearken unto my
voice" (vs. 1). God then asked Moses what he held in his hand. In essence,
God wanted to prove to Moses that it wasn't his ability, talents, or finesse
that God was interested in, but his willingness to be used.

God didn't ask Moses to acquire some object so that God could use it; God
used what Moses already possessed-his rod. Likewise, God doesn't require that
we become skilled or talented in some area so that He may use us. He wants to
use what we already have-what He has already given us.

Have you ever seen the talent of others and felt God couldn't use you? God
doesn't measure our usability by our talents but by our willingness to be
used. Do you want to be used by God? Then don't worry about mastering a skill
or becoming better at something; simply submit to God's plan and allow Him to
use you how He wants to.

What is in your hand today? How can God use you? Don't compare yourself with
other people, but allow God to use you according to His perfect plan.

Link for leaf template

2009-10-30T23:03:00.002-04:00

Click here

Thankful Pumpkin Craft

2009-10-30T23:01:00.004-04:00

Scripture Memory: Part 1 - Practical Appliction

2009-10-30T21:55:00.003-04:00

I decided to break this into a couple of posts. I don't like it when posts get too long.

First of all, I am going to share with you what ideas Jackie has for applying scriptural truth to the lives of the children:

I don't know about teaching a group of kids that you don't REALLY know personally, but in our family, we use the memory verses in every day life. As they are learning I try to simplify it for them and say, what is thy word? (The Bible), etc. But when we are in every day life we use them, for instance, when they disobey we go over Ephesians 6:1-- Believe it or not my 1 yr old knows the verse. Just the other day my 2 and 4 yr. old were fighting over a toy and my 5 yr. old said be ye kind one to another... I was shocked.

So, if you don't know the kids so personally like they were your own, but you know they have siblings just think like a child, what will children fight over? Dolls, trucks, then when you teach verses about being kind bring up if you and sissy were playing and she wanted to trade dolls, or "Be the nursery worker (in play)" if you would follow the Bible verse, be ye kind one to another, you would let her have the favorite doll.

Thank you Jackie for your participation.

I believe the biggest key to seeing if children understand is of course by asking them questions about the verse. This goes along with what Jackie said. You can take part of the verse and turn it into a question so that another part of the verse is the answer. I do this and then turn the answer into a question. If you have them answer it exactly as the verse states then you are helping them memorize it as well as understand it. For example:

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

What does the fool say in his heart? there is no God

Who says in his heart that there is no God? The fool

This helps emphasize key points but does not necessarily mean they understand. It is important to also ask questions like "what does this verse mean to you?" or "how does this apply to your life?"

It is important to apply verses to situations that the children deal with every day and make it practical for them.

Four keys to understanding are:

1. Illustrate

"A good visual aid properly used will pique the students' curiosity, stimulate their interest, catch and hold their attention, and lead to life-changing learning." - Ed Dunlop

2. Discuss

3. Allow questions

4. Define words

Just a reminder...

2009-10-28T23:12:00.001-04:00

If you have any great ideas for teaching memory work, please send them to me by tomorrow afternoon. Thanks!

Teaching Scripture Memory

2009-10-22T22:24:00.003-04:00

Now is time for involvement. This is pretty simple. I often feel like I often get stuck in a rut when teaching memory verses. What are your ideas? I am interested in not only ways to teach memory verses (games) but ways to help them apply it to their lives. Suggestions for review would be great as well. Please either send your suggestions to my email for this site or leave a comment. (If you leave a comment, it will be posted in the next post instead of as a comment). I will also be sharing my own ideas as well, so hopefully everyone can gain some new ideas.

Ideas will be posted one week from today.

Teaching Seminar

2009-09-26T20:47:00.003-04:00

Today at church, we had a teacher training seminar with Kerby Richmon as the speaker. He is the director of Master Ministries (Master Clubs). The sessions were very challenging. I have lots of new ideas and improvements to make in my Children's Church class. I received plenty of information to keep me busy for awhile. If you are interested in getting the sessions on cd, you can email me and I will see about ordering them for you.

I thought I would share a few challenging quotes, but will try to share more in detail over the next several weeks.

"We must teach more than facts, it must be applied to the life of the student."

"As a teacher, you are to shepherd your class."

"Your lesson is only as good as they understand."

"Never underestimate the potential of a child."

"As a teacher, when you have stopped learning, you are done."

2009-09-23T10:51:00.002-04:00

"The teacher's personality is the most important piece of instructional equipment in the classroom."

10 Commands for Effective Communication

2009-09-23T10:38:00.003-04:00

1. Thou shalt simplify.

2. Thou shalt listen.

3. Thou shalt remember.

4. Thou shalt speak unto others as thou wouldst have others speak unto thee.

5. Thou shalt clarify hard-to-understand Bible terminology.

6. Thou shalt use stories and illustrations.

7. Thou shalt keep a sense of humor.

8. Thou shalt practice what thou preachest.

9. Thou shalt be creative.

10. Thou shalt have patience.

Taken from Accent Bible Curriculum, Spring 2009

I think everyone should be constantly striving to become a better communicator. Those who fail to communicate effectively are those who fail to evaluate themselves and seek improvement. Some of the best teachers I have had were those who were always looking for ways to improve.

The Eternal Impact

2009-09-20T17:53:00.003-04:00

One key, I believe, to effective teaching is realizing the eternal impact that you are making. When you are doing the same thing week after week, you don't always see the immediate effects. If you are a teacher, one thing is certain, you are making an eternal impact for better or for worse.

Even more important than what a person teaches or says, is the example she is setting for her students. One does not often realize how she is influencing those under her. There are many people in my life who have influenced me, as I am sure the same is with you. Most of those people probably have little or no idea of the impact of their influence. The Bible calls us sheep. We look up to those we admire and often follow their example. Right or wrong, I have often found myself saying, "well this person does it, so it must be ok."

While students should be looking to Christ, the ultimate example, you cannot escape the fact that they are looking at you, their teacher. God will hold you responsible for the example that you set. It is easy to say, "well, I'll just give in to this sin one time. It won't matter." The truth is that one wrong choice does matter. Just consider the wrong choice that Abraham made thousands of years ago. Who would have known the impact on the entire world by just one wrong act?

Just remember that you are influencing eternal souls. You are influencing the choices that will be made by your students for the rest of their lives. God will hold you responsible and you will be called in to account for the example you have set. The choice is yours - what example will you be?

The Purpose of this Blog

2009-09-19T20:15:00.004-04:00

Being a teacher, it is often easy to stuck in a rut. Whether a school teacher, music teacher, or Sunday School teacher it is easy to just keep doing the same old things week after week.

I have set up this blog with the purpose of hopefully inspiring others, as well as gaining new ideas myself. I intend this to be a reader written blog. I hope that many of my readers will get involved in sharing ideas, writing articles, helpful quotes, book reviews and the list goes on. You can email all submissions to teachingforeternity@hotmail.com. All submissions will be subject to review and editing before being posted. As editor, I reserve the right not to publish any submissions that I think will not benefit readers.

I hope that this blog will be a blessing and encouragement to you!